Jack Johnson back on the job

Three days after Jack B. Johnson was arrested on charges of evidence tampering and destroying evidence, the Prince George's County executive was back at his office in Upper Marlboro. Associated Press

Jim Keary, Johnson's spokesman, said the county executive told a group of reporters that he was in his office Monday morning "to do the work the people had elected him to do." Keary also said Johnson had received numerous calls expressing support, and said he would "remain strong and faithful."

Johnson, 61, and his wife, 58-year-old Leslie Johnson, were arrested Friday as part of the federal probe of political corruption in Prince George's. According to an FBI affidavit, the Johnsons were overheard on a wiretap plotting how to rid themselves of a potentially incriminating $100,000 check from a developer and hide cash totaling $79,600. Both could face 20 years on each charge if convicted.

Meanwhile, Prince George's County Executive-elect Rushern L. Baker III (D) has scheduled a 5 p.m. news conference at the county's school board headquarters in Upper Marlboro to talk about the arrest of the outgoing county chief.

Baker, who twice ran against Johnson, losing narrowly in 2006, was unopposed in the Nov. 2 general election. He campaigned on a platform to rid Prince George's of its reputation of "pay to play," and vowed to introduce an ethics package and establish an inspector general's office to investigate waste, fraud and abuse in the $2.6 billion county government.

How can this thug, Jack Johnson even show his face. Those who support him ought to think about the harm this fool has done to many people over the years. You don't use an office for personal gain, enrich yourself and cronies, and watch the suffering of the masses. I will pray for him and his wife that GOD will continue to expose everything they have been up to and those of his elect/cronies etc. Please GOD, put these criminal thugs in prison for a long, long time, AMEN.

Could somebody explain how an averaged sized person -- Mrs. Johnson -- managed to put $79,000 in her underwear? What denominations were the bills? How did she look? Did the police really need to eavesdrop on a phone call to notice she might look odd? Could WaPo give some explanation on this phenomenal feat.

Amazing & SAD, I agree how can he show his face and then run back to work...him and his wife needs to go...they have taken enough money and it is clear that is not for the people....stuff likes this makes me want to do the right thing at all times. And I am happy to hear that they had a mixture of racist in this group...Often wondered why well paid officers moon light at the liquor stores..sad.

interactingdc wrote: "Could somebody explain how an averaged sized person -- Mrs. Johnson -- managed to put $79,000 in her underwear? What denominations were the bills? How did she look? Did the police really need to eavesdrop on a phone call to notice she might look odd? Could WaPo give some explanation on this phenomenal feat."
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I've been trying to figure out this exact same thing. I just keep laughing cuz I wonder how they both thought she wouldn't be caught witht at cash in her skivvies!

"numerous calls expressing support" from those he has helped enrich (and enrich himself) through his position of power and privilege, no doubt. Not sure how any normal resident of the county can express any support when he was caught as red-handed as he was. Enjoy prison, scumbag.

"numerous calls expressing support" from those he has helped enrich (and enrich himself) through his position of power and privilege, no doubt. Not sure how any normal resident of the county can express any support when he was caught as red-handed as he was. Enjoy prison, scumbag.

How typical and sad! What a clown! Spreading no-bid contracts to his 'frat brothers'. Way to show loyalty! Of course with crumbling schools and roads throughout the county, no need to coerce developers to spread wealth and improve Capital Heights or Fairmont Heights, or Seat Pleasant. Why do that when you can pocket the money? Besides, since you would never be seen in any of these areas, let them continue to be run down so that you can improve the "exclusive" areas for you and your frat buddies. Mitchellville, Bowie, and Upper Marlboro. Where the upper class aristocrats such as yourself reside. Johnson is a fraud. Always has been. and anyone defending the indefnesible with the same old tired line of "well white politicians have been doing this for years too." needs to GROW UP! Coruption is coruption PERIOD! And Johnson being the Black County Executive from the Wealthies Black County only makes him more contemptable and pathetic! Wake up Prince Georges County and get out of the Matrix! there is an aristocratic, arrogant upper class in P.G. who believe that it is their right to 'rule' the county and steal from the cookie jar at will. they have no concern or respect if you live outside of the counties favored zip codes and/or if you dont belong to their special fraternal organizations. dont be fooled by their weekly Sunday trips to one of the many mega churches in the county either. Thats an even bigger scam!

How typical and sad! What a clown! Spreading no-bid contracts to his 'frat brothers'. Way to show loyalty! Of course with crumbling schools and roads throughout the county, no need to coerce developers to spread wealth and improve Capital Heights or Fairmont Heights, or Seat Pleasant. Why do that when you can pocket the money? Besides, since you would never be seen in any of these areas, let them continue to be run down so that you can improve the "exclusive" areas for you and your frat buddies. Mitchellville, Bowie, and Upper Marlboro. Where the upper class aristocrats such as yourself reside. Johnson is a fraud. Always has been. and anyone defending the indefnesible with the same old tired line of "well white politicians have been doing this for years too." needs to GROW UP! Coruption is coruption PERIOD! And Johnson being the Black County Executive from the Wealthies Black County only makes him more contemptable and pathetic! Wake up Prince Georges County and get out of the Matrix! there is an aristocratic, arrogant upper class in P.G. who believe that it is their right to 'rule' the county and steal from the cookie jar at will. they have no concern or respect if you live outside of the counties favored zip codes and/or if you dont belong to their special fraternal organizations. dont be fooled by their weekly Sunday trips to one of the many mega churches in the county either. Thats an even bigger scam!

Eyes open: the "pay-for-play" and rigged development processes were major tenets of the Wayne Curry era (preceding Jack Johnson). Simply check Curry's history regarding the Redskin minority contracting scandal, the many surplused public lands that went to (sometimes low bidding) developers, and the way he denied water /sewer permits to mega-churches as they competed for prime land with his developer associates.

Mr. Baker has chosen Wayne Curry as his chief of transition, and Mr. Curry's development associates lent (!) and donated large sums to Mr. Baker for his three runs for the county executive seat.

Now Mr. Baker runs on a "house cleaning" platform ! He's a good man but keeps shady company.

Eyes open: the "pay-for-play" and rigged development processes were major tenets of the Wayne Curry era (preceding Jack Johnson). Simply check Curry's history regarding the Redskin minority contracting scandal, the many surplused public lands that went to (sometimes low bidding) developers, and the way he denied water /sewer permits to mega-churches as they competed for prime land with his developer associates.

Mr. Baker has chosen Wayne Curry as his chief of transition, and Mr. Curry's development associates lent (!) and donated large sums to Mr. Baker for his three runs for the county executive seat.

Now Mr. Baker runs on a "house cleaning" platform ! He's a good man but keeps shady company.

I'm a resident of DC but the FBI allegations are very disturbing and I feel badly for the citizens of PG. I don't know Mr Johnson or his wife personally, but I believe it's important to remember he is innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, then this process should be a lesson for all elected officials to do the right thang & avoid corruption!